The state's bat population may be taking a hit as a disease closes in on Michigan.
Biologists say White Nose Syndrome is a fungus that finds its home on the noses and wings of bats while they're in hibernation. The disease produces a disorientation in the animals which causes them to burn energy at times of the
year when they should preserve it.
Russ Mason with the DNR says if and when the disease comes to Michigan there won't be much the state can do about it.
"We lack the ability to use our internal resources to address these types of things. So the approach that we're taking with the service is that we will continue to do whatever we can but we will not be stepping up those activities in any significant way simply because we don't have the resources or wherewithal to do it."
The disease has killed about 97% of bats in other states. Biologists predict it will come to Michigan in Mid-2011
